Kasteel Hernen

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The lords of Hernen are first mentioned in 1247. Their earliest fortification was a motte a little west of the present castle; remains of it were discovered in 2009. Around 1360, Alart van Driel had a large square residential tower and a curtain wall about two and a half meters thick built around a courtyard at the foot of a chain of river dunes between the Maas and the Waal. In the 15th and 16th centuries residential wings were added along the inside of the wall, the last around 1555, which roofed over the previously open wall walks – unique in the Netherlands in this form and size.

Hernen enjoyed its heyday under the Van Wijhe family, who owned the castle from 1406 to 1646. Because later owners mostly lived in the Southern Netherlands, the complex was hardly modernized, was never besieged or destroyed, and therefore ranks among the best-preserved medieval castles in the country. Only the large residential tower disappeared in the 18th century.

In 1940 the last owner, Anna Mathilda Metelerkamp van Bronkhorst-den Tex, donated the castle and garden to the Stichting Vrienden der Geldersche Kasteelen, founded especially for this purpose and today part of Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen. After restoration from 1942 to 1957, the castle was partly rented out and partly opened to visitors. Today a “talking lantern” with the voice of the castle’s lord Reyner van Wijhe guides visitors through the rooms, a light and sound show in the attic tells of the vanished tower, and archaeological objects found in the moat in 2010 illustrate the everyday life of the residents.

Highlights

• Covered medieval wall walks, unique in the Netherlands in this form
• Tour with the “talking lantern” and the 16th-century lord of the castle Reyner van Wijhe
• Light, projection and sound show about the vanished residential tower
• Archaeological finds from the castle moat (2010)
• Walled garden with rose garden, surrounded by woods and a mound windmill

Permanent exhibitions

• De Verdwenen Toren – Multimedia presentation with light, projections and sound in the attic about the medieval residential tower that disappeared in the 18th century.

Operated by

Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen (GLK)

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart, ICOM card and for GLK donors during regular opening hours; according to the event pages, also with the VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

With a wheelchair, walker or mobility scooter, only the castle garden and grounds are easily accessible (benches available); the courtyard is graveled. Seven steps with a handrail lead to the ticket desk and shop, after which there are only stairs, often without railings and with uneven steps. Folding stools and seating available; a staff member can accompany you if arranged in advance. No accessible restroom (restrooms in the cellar, four steps). Three accessible parking spaces about 200 m from the start of the tour. The talking lantern is suitable for visually impaired visitors; guide dogs and companions free; information leaflet for hearing-impaired visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

The tour with the talking lantern and the tower show are explicitly aimed at young and old. Children’s activities such as the Vossenjacht (fox hunt game) during holidays. Children’s birthday parties with treasure hunt, tower show, archery and outdoor rally. Strollers are not allowed inside the castle (parking space in the cellar); baby changing table in the women’s restroom.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A50, exit Wijchen, then follow the signs toward Bergharen.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

“’t Keldertje” serves coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice and snacks during opening hours. Shop with regional products, books, nature items, and princess and dragon items for children. Nearest restaurant: De Leurse Hof in the neighboring village of Leur.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Halls for receptions, presentations, conferences (conference package from 12 people), readings, dinners and barbecues in the courtyard, as well as events on the grounds; room rental from €245 per hour. Civil weddings in the Van Steenhuyskamer with its 16th-century fireplace, reception in the Knights’ Hall, date arranged via the municipality of Wijchen; catering to be organized yourself.

Plan your visit